Letters: Questionable diaper change on airplane passenger seat

In Catharine Hamm's column "Causing a Stink on the Airplane" [On the Spot, April 8] regarding the appropriate place on an airplane to change a baby's diaper, the issue of hygiene was not addressed.

I am appalled that the cabin crew would permit a baby to be changed on a passenger seat. I, for one, would dread being the person on the next flight to sit there. After all, not only can you not avoid touching surfaces that most certainly have been contaminated, this is the place where you will be served refreshments or, on a long flight in business or first class, a full meal.

It would violate health laws to change a baby in the middle of a restaurant; it should be no different on an airplane.

Robert Switzer

West Hollywood

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Why not get out your favorite perfume spray and send a good shot of it into the area of the stink providers?

People who buy first-class tickets should not be subjected to such disgusting odors.

Lori Graham

Los Angeles

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So, on a long, long journey from Florida to Los Angeles — in first class yet — a mother lets her child scream for five hours and changes her diaper on the seat next to her, stinking up the entire section (if not the entire airplane).

Question: Where was the flight attendant? There must have been at least one flight attendant for first class. Why didn't the flight attendant set the mother straight?

John Reiner

Los Angeles

Istanbul's lure

Mary Forgione's article "Finding a Bargain in Istanbul" [April 8] was magnificent. Istanbul is the sexiest city since Rome. It has the three Bs — brawn, beauty and brains — and let's add beaucoup bucks. What more can a tourist ask for? Hey, Istanbul here I come!

Evan Dale Santos

Adelanto

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Memories of my wonderful visit to Istanbul came flooding back on reading Forgione's article. Very well written, covering the most important places one must visit while there. Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, and the rhythm and excitement of the place is palpable.

I am ready to return to Istanbul to explore more of this remarkable city.

Varini de Silva

Huntington Beach

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I find it ironic that the Los Angeles Times reports online on April 5 that the "Number of jailed journalists nearly doubles in Turkey," while reporting April 8 in the Travel section about "Finding a Bargain in Istanbul." Times readers are entitled to know that travel to Turkey supports a regime that tramples on freedom of the press and should make their travel plans accordingly.